Mike Kennedy in UT legislative records

On Abortion: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Analysis by ACLU-Utah: Some of the information in question includes the reason for seeking an abortion, stage of pregnancy, and the race of the woman seeking an abortion. It seems clear that this bill is a thinly veiled effort to restrict women's reproductive choices down the road.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

On Abortion: Require abortions performed only in hospitals not at clinics

HB467: This bill:
• requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
• prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Opinion by Planned Parenthood in opposition:Planned Parenthood Association of Utah filed a new complaint, challenging HB 467, a newly-enacted law that will functionally eliminate access to abortion in the state if allowed to take effect on May 3, 2023--even though abortion is currently legal in Utah up until 18 weeks of pregnancy. Because over 95% of abortions in Utah are provided at licensed clinics rather than at hospitals, this law will ban the vast majority of abortions in the state.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

On Civil Rights: Restrict discussions on racism and sexism in classrooms

Opinion by ABC4 in favor:A new bill would change how teachers discuss racism and sexism in their classrooms. According to HB427, there are things that should be, and should not be addressed by teachers when it comes to racism, sexism, ageism, religious discrimination, and more.

Proposed veto letter by ACLU of Utah:We firmly believe that young people have the right to an inclusive, accurate, and honest education, free from censorship or discrimination. Unfortunately, we fear H.B.427 may create more problems than it solves, especially when addressing challenging topics such as race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-6-5 on Mar/2/23; Kennedy sponsored & voted YES; passed House 53-18-4 on Mar/3/23; signed by Gov. Cox on Mar/15/23.

On Crime: Authorize construction of new state prison

Excerpts from legislation: HB 454: Authorizes Construction of New State Prison This bill:
• creates the Prison Development Commission and provides for its membership, duties, and operation;
• provides for Division of Facilities Construction and Management oversight of the prison design and construction project;
• enacts a local option sales and use tax for a city or town that has a new state correctional facility;
• authorizes the issuance of bonds for the prison project;
• creates a restricted account and capital projects fund for the prison project;
• provides a process for the choice of a new prison site.

On Gun Control: Supports concealed carry of guns without a permit

Analysis of support by Deseret News: Rep. Curt Oda said the bill simply allows those who can legally carry a gun to put a jacket on over their firearm, "It's not gun control, it's jacket control." Oda said the bill had overwhelming support from pro-gun organizations.

Analysis of veto message by Deseret News: Herbert vetoed the controversial "constitutional carry" bill. Herbert said his veto decision was supported by much of the law enforcement community. While he was passionate about Second Amendment rights, Utah needs gun policy that "sends a message that we have a quality of life that is sophisticated, and that we're not the wild and woolly West."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-18-6 on 3/1/13; State Sen. Kennedy voted YES; Passed Senate 22-7-0 on 3/13/13 ; Vetoed on 3/22/13

On Health Care: Restrict expansion of state Medicaid program

Analysis by Health Policy Project: March 2013: After a traditional expansion bill (HB 153) is withdrawn in committee, Utah legislature passes "Prohibition of Medicaid Expansion" (HB 391) requiring legislative approval for any Medicaid Expansion proposal or funding.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/13/13; Passed House 51-23-1 on Mar/13/13; State Sen. Mike Kennedy co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Apr/3/13

On Immigration: Offer written drivers test in languages other than English

Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:The Utah Legislature unanimously passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain other languages," which are the five top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22

On Principles & Values: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

Excerpts from legislation: HB 34 Authorizes "In God We Trust" on License Plates: This bill:
• requires applicants for a new plate to make a $25 annual donation to the In God We Trust Freedom Celebration Support Restricted Account;
• creates the In God We Trust Freedom Celebration Support Restricted Account;